GCSE Science

GCSE Science provides knowledge and understanding of science that is relevant to students’ everyday life. Our aim is to engage students – to stimulate excitement and intrigue about how science works.

The course helps students develop their questioning, analytical and evaluative skills alongside core practical skills.

We’ve designed a flexible course structure that can be adapted to suit individual teaching approaches and students’ needs. And our assessment models have been designed to recognise teachers’ professional judgement and support effective teaching and learning.

Course structure
GCSE Science is based on the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Science. The specification contains twelve topics that cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics:

B1
Topic 1: Environment
Topic 2: Genes
Topic 3: Electrical and Chemical Signals
Topic 4: Use, Misuse and Abuse

C1
Topic 5: Patterns in Properties
Topic 6: Making Changes
Topic 7: There’s One Earth
Topic 8: Designer Products

P1
Topic 9: Producing and Measuring Electricity
Topic 10: You’re in Charge
Topic 11: Now You See It, Now YouDon’t
Topic 12: Space and its Mysteries

Assessment
External assessment (60%)
Six multiple choice tiered tests (available January and June).

Internal assessment (40%)
• Assessment activities (30%)
One assessment activity from each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The assessment activities and mark schemes are prepared by Edexcel to assess the ‘How Science Works’ criteria in context of the specification topics. These are marked by the teacher and externally moderated by Edexcel.

• Practical skills assessment (10%)
Assessed by the teacher and non-moderated.

Teacher support
Edexcel offers a wide range of support materials to assist the teaching and learning of all GCSE Science qualifications.

This includes:
• Launch meetings and implementation events to help teachers prepare for first teaching
• Sample assessment materials
• Resources including lesson plans and endorsed textbooks
• Regular updates on Edexcel website
• Dedicated support phone line
• Support from subject experts.